Question:
"How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
Stumbled across this today and thought it might prove useful for your enjoyment and edification..
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
It's an interesting read with some useful information. There's even some stuff in there to make me remember when I first starting asking questions, and when I first started answering them..
Many of you will probably like this "Question Not to Ask"
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
Somebody else posted this months ago.
The instructions of "How to Ask Questions The Smart Way" is actually harder than installing and troubleshooting most Linux problems. So what's the point.
Plus, how can you expect everyone to know all the tech lingo and what not to even ask questions the so-called proper way?
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
Yeah, definitely. By the time you've read and understand how to ask the right question, you may already know how to solve it. I don't think that guide was directed at computer newbies...;)
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
Somebody else posted this months ago.
The instructions of "How to Ask Questions The Smart Way" is actually harder than installing and troubleshooting most Linux problems. So what's the point.
Plus, how can you expect everyone to know all the tech lingo and what not to even ask questions the so-called proper way?
Because it's not only about Linux install problems, but it's about asking questions of knowledgeable people in general. It's good to show respect, and realize that when you ask questions, implicitly attacking something really doesn't garner you any goodwill.
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
It's good to show respect, and realize that when you ask questions, implicitly attacking something really doesn't garner you any goodwill.
Thanks Pita.. Sorry if it's been posted more than once. I actually meant it more for those that are interested in elevating the level of their question asking (and answering), and because parts of it are funny too. (Mostly that..)
For those who don't get it..... carry on..
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
Because it's not only about Linux install problems, but it's about asking questions of knowledgeable people in general. It's good to show respect, and realize that when you ask questions, implicitly attacking something really doesn't garner you any goodwill.
What's wrong with letting someone assume that the problem is the OS, Hardware, or Something else? How is that disrespectful?
Should a Car Mechanic feel insulted if you tell him you think your radiator is busted but it happens to be something else that is the problem?
EX: If wireless doesn't work and a poster makes a thread saying that his router is broke, then come to find out it wasn't the router at all but his network setup. Is that disrespectful?
I'll admit I've seen very few blatant attacks on stuff.(Mostly out of frustration)
But to have a rules of asking questions guide thats longer than junk food ingredients makes no sense IMO.
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
Should a Car Mechanic feel insulted if you tell him you think your radiator is busted but it happens to be something else that is the problem?
What if you're not complaining to a mechanic, but instead to the engineer that designed it? Now, imagine you're not just saying that it's broken because of wear and tear, but, you're telling him that it's broken because of a design flaw? If I were that engineer, and someone without the proper credentials made such a claim to me, I'd be very insulted.
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
The guide isn't so much about asking questions as helping you understand the mindset of hardcore geeks, the ones who will really give you good help. It's a respect-based sub-culture. You can ask questions however you want, but don't expect any sympathy if you then act hurt when someone responds with "Guess you should learn to RTFM, eh n00b?" No one owes you anything, doubly-so with software you haven't paid for that people created for free. So in order to get your problems solved, it's in your own best interest to read that "junk food ingredients list" and pay attention to it, and use the suggestions in it.
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
What if you're not complaining to a mechanic, but instead to the engineer that designed it? Now, imagine you're not just saying that it's broken because of wear and tear, but, you're telling him that it's broken because of a design flaw? If I were that engineer, and someone without the proper credentials made such a claim to me, I'd be very insulted.
You took it to another level. I'm simply saying that you can't blame consumers for lack of knowledge and pointing finger in the wrong direction. Isn't that how we all learn in the first place?
The guide isn't so much about asking questions as helping you understand the mindset of hardcore geeks, the ones who will really give you good help. It's a respect-based sub-culture. You can ask questions however you want, but don't expect any sympathy if you then act hurt when someone responds with "Guess you should learn to RTFM, eh n00b?" No one owes you anything, doubly-so with software you haven't paid for that people created for free. So in order to get your problems solved, it's in your own best interest to read that "junk food ingredients list" and pay attention to it, and use the suggestions in it.
I hurt, because I don't know what RTFM is :(
Answer:
Re: "How To Ask Questions The Smart Way"
You took it to another level. I'm simply saying that you can't blame consumers for lack of knowledge and pointing finger in the wrong direction. Isn't that how we all learn in the first place?
No, I don't think I took it to another level really, because in the article, it was talking specifically about saying that on like, a developer's forum, mailing list, etc. So, quite frankly, I think it's a pretty accurate analogy.
I hurt, because I don't know what RTFM is :(
RTFM = "Read The F**king Manual"